The Bergen County Girl Team 
This article is sponsored by Elisabeth Morrow School.
Most of us remember middle school as a time of “peak awkwardness”—that major leap from childhood into adolescence that brings a unique set of growing pains for parents and kids alike. One New Jersey school is looking to bridge that gap. The Elisabeth Morrow School in Englewood has launched a series called Middle School Unfiltered, a series of live, virtual conversations designed to help parents move from being their children’s “managers” to becoming their “consultants.” Read on to learn more about this premier independent school and how its expert-led series is providing local families with a vital toolkit for tween growth.
About
The Elisabeth Morrow School is a premier, independent, co-educational day school in Englewood, New Jersey. The school’s shared purpose is to provide exemplary academics and character development in a diverse and inclusive child-centered community, inspiring students to become curious scholars, ethical leaders, and global citizens.
Since its opening in 1930, the Elisabeth Morrow School has sought to foster the next generation of thinkers and leaders. Its founders, Elisabeth Morrow and Connie Chilton, were trailblazers who believed children deserved a rigorous education from the earliest ages. Today, that 95-year legacy continues through innovative experiences for children through the entire arc of childhood.
The school has received numerous accolades, including being named a National Blue Ribbon School, an Apple Distinguished School, and earning a Responsible AI in Learning (RAIL) Endorsement in AI Literacy, Safety, and Ethics. It was also honored as an ASCA Student Council School of Excellence, and is a UN Global School.
Values
The school’s core values, referred to within their community as “the 4 Cs,” are courtesy, consideration, cooperation, and compassion.
At the Elisabeth Morrow School, the day always begins with a handshake between a student and a teacher or administrator. This simple act sets the tone for the day and helps students understand the foundational meaning of courtesy.
From these small acts, students learn how to be considerate in a multitude of arenas, whether it’s the classroom, hallway, or playground. As children grow, these values foster the cooperation necessary for advanced learning. The result of building confidence and cooperation? A young adult prepared to live a life of compassion.
At The Elisabeth Morrow School, these daily rituals bridge the gap between rigorous academics and character-driven education—a blended approach that builds future leaders.
Middle School Unfiltered: A Virtual Conversation Series
While the morning handshake remains a constant anchor for every student from age 2 to the “seniors” in 8th grade, the school recognizes that the middle school years bring a shift into uncharted territories. As backpacks get heavier and digital footprints expand, the social and academic landscape becomes significantly more complex.
To help parents navigate this “construction zone” of the 10-to-14-year-old brain, the school is hosting a three-part interactive series. Think of it like a lunchtime coffee date—skipping the lecture and getting straight to the heart of what’s normal, what’s a red flag, and how to stay connected as your child’s peer world expands.
There are a few opportunities to join the virtual conversation:
- March 18th, at 12:00PM: The Bridge to Independence
Join Sybill Bruun Moss, Ph.D., Director of Student Success Services, for a session exploring the developmental leap of preteens. Whether you are “almost there” or “in the thick of it,” learn how to coach your child through new challenges while fostering executive function, self-advocacy, and resilience. - April 8th, at 12:00PM: Raising Digitally Savvy Kids
Join Marek Beck, Ph.D., Head of School, and Samantha Morra, Middle School Technology Integrator, to discuss mentoring children in a world of AI and TikTok. Move beyond “screen time” limits to focus on digital citizenship and co-creating boundaries. - April 15th, at 1:00PM: Decoding the Secret Language of Tweens
Phadadria Randall, Middle School Counselor, and Krisztina Jarratt, Middle School Learning Specialist, pull back the curtain on “big feelings” and eye-rolls. Discover practical strategies for setting firm boundaries while remaining a “soft place to land” during emotional rollercoasters.
All workshops support parenting tweens with expert-led insights into navigating the transitions that often feel “mysterious” to parents.
What To Expect
By the end of the session, parents will have useful tools that help shift from managing to advising their child. Whether your child is in 4th grade or 7th, you will walk away with a fresh perspective and a practical toolkit for the digital, social, and emotional road ahead.
The Essentials
The Elisabeth Morrow School is located at 435 Lydecker Street in Englewood. To save your spot for an upcoming session, register for Middle School Unfiltered here.
